BILLINGS, Mont. -- Based on the analysis of the environmental impacts described in the Environmental Assessment (EA), the Bureau of Reclamation has released a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Decision Notice for the Goose Bay Marina Modernization Project, located at Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Mont.

"Reclamation has decided to implement the Proposed Action Alternative described in the EA," said Montana Area Manager, Brent Esplin. "This allows Reclamation to provide a small business opportunity and a spectrum of recreation opportunities at the Goose Bay Marina."

Goose Bay Marina is located on the eastern shore of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, near the midway point, north of Townsend, Mont. The bay is among the largest on the reservoir serving as a marina, and a deep-water bay.

"The boat ramp at Goose Bay Marina will remain open during the 2014 recreation season," said Esplin. "Reclamation-operated camping, located west/northwest of Goose Bay Marina, will remain open for public use with minimum and basic services provided, subject to the 14-day stay limit. There will be no gas service at Goose Bay, so boaters need to consider this as they head out onto the lake."

Reclamation estimates the majority of the Goose Bay Marina area will be closed through the 2014 and 2015 recreation seasons allowing for required demolition and construction activities, and plans to have a concessionaire in place for the 2016 recreation season.

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR.